5 warning signs you may be eating too much salt

A British Heart Foundation study and related surveys report many adults consume more salt than recommended; the article lists five common signs linked to higher salt intake: intense thirst, bloating, headaches, frequent urination and fatigue.

Many reports note that adults often eat more salt than health guidelines recommend. A British Heart Foundation study said adults in England consume the equivalent of about 22 bags of crisps daily, around 40% above the NHS maximum of 6 g. A YouGov survey found more than half of adults struggle to estimate their daily salt intake. The article also highlights that much dietary salt is hidden in processed and prepared foods. Signs reported: - Intense thirst: Small rises in sodium in the bloodstream can trigger strong thirst as the body seeks water to balance sodium levels. - Bloating and water retention: Excess salt can cause the body to hold on to water, producing puffiness and a feeling of bloating. - Headaches: Some research has linked changes in salt intake with changes in headache frequency, though findings vary across studies. - Increased urination and urgency: Studies cited in the article reported that reducing salt intake led some participants to urinate less and experience less urinary urgency. - Fatigue: The article notes that water retention and the body’s efforts to restore fluid balance can be associated with tiredness. Summary: High salt consumption is associated with raised blood pressure and increased longer-term risks to cardiovascular health and kidney function. The article reports an estimate that a small reduction in daily salt intake could prevent thousands of heart attacks and strokes in the UK each year. Undetermined at this time.